Changing from a Manual car to an Automatic after driving manual for around 50 yrs

I always drove a manual for about 45 years but changed to an automatic due to having arthritis in my left knee. I was very reluctant but now I would never swap back. I have a 69 reg Kia Picanto and it's great on petrol, very easy to drive too.

DH & I got pur first automatic a few years ago when we were looking to buy a newer version of our current car & the best deal was an automatic. I was scared stiff & wanted to refuse the deal but DH was adamant we shoukd have it so we did. Well, we've never looked back! I now have an automatic sports car & DH has a Mini. However, we've still kept our old faithful, small runabout which is a manual & actually, it's good fun to drive & I don't have any trouble going back to gears although a hillstart is always a challenge!

It's fine. Just keep your left foot glued to the floor and your hands on the wheel. Let it do the rest!

From being 17 to 33 I drove a variety of manual gear change cars but then I got a job 40 miles away from home and decided that driving a round trip of 80 miles a day would be better in an automatic so I've driven an automatic since then (now late 70s). Personally I think my joints would revolt if I had to revert to a manual, especially my wrist with endless gear changing. Once the arthritis sets in, the easier it is to drive, the better.

I prefer driving a Manuel but I enjoy driving. I now have an automatic because of heavy traffic and thousands of traffic lights it’s easier.

Swore I'd never drive an automatic, until I did . Been driving automatic ever since. Recently had a manual courtesy car - what a nightmare!!! It was such a relief to hand it back and return to my automatic

I prefer driving a Manuel

Menopausalbitch
😂 but he know nothing!!

Yes. Both of us changed to automatic. Mine is my second one, both small (Polos). Not hard at all to adjust. I would encourage you to test drive a few

I'm glad I learned on a manual 40 years ago, however we bought our first automatic about 10 years ago and I haven't looked back (apart from the rear view mirror) since. I drove my daughter's manual a few months ago and couldn't figure out why it wasn't going very fast, then remembered it worked with gears 😂

You only have to remember one thing - keep your left foot glued to the floor and away from pedals permanently!

Changed to an automatic a few years ago best thing I ever did. No looking back 😁

Until recently, I had a smallish manual car and an automatic camper van, so I've been used to both.
The thing about driving an automatic vehicle is that you must imagine that your left leg has been cut off. You are using your right foot only. Modern automatics are wonderful, specially in city traffic.

MT62

NotAGran55

My automatic car has flappy paddles which I never use, although I was certain that I would, because I loved driving and using the gears on my manual cars.
The cruise control button is the best though, no chance of speeding anymore.
My automatic car has a gearstick Alirra

Mine has manual gears as well, which I use to get up our steep hill in the snow.

I can see that would help, thanks for the tip.

Gosh! How I envy all you lady drivers! I gave up driving more than 30 years ago because I found it too stressful.

I had autos in London in the 70,s and was sold on them, easy to drive, just forget your left foot. Would recommend them as easy and safe!

Been driving manual cars for nearly 40yrs. When replacing, DH arranged a test drive for us both at a large dealership without realising it was an automatic. I found it strange but Changing gears but within a week had got used to it and wouldn't go to a manual now. So much easier.

I drive an electric car which is the same as automatic much easier than manual. However it’s everyone’s choice.

F
Try a mercedes automatic for.performance, and a smooth gearbox. Changed brand last year and I really miss my merc.

I was a bit tearful when my husband bought an automatic cv as I said I wouldn’t be able to drive it. I was wrong. I have a Nissan Leaf and it’s the easiest car I’ve ever driven. I used to love my little sports cars but this has some oomph as well.

50 years manuel also but we have solar and went for EV car and they are all automatic. Took me a couple of sessions with salesman then on my own driving home. So simple with no faffing about with gear/clutch and no handbrake either. I feel I could drive it with one finger and a toe...

Yes, we’ve had 3 Honda Jazzs, and when we wanted a new one found they only do automatics now. We were very put off, but we’ve had ours over a year now and love it. It’s so easy, especially as the handbrake is automatic too. Our dealership instructed us well and gave us a couple of test drives to boost our confidence.

Does Manuel know he’ll soon be made redundant? 😂

Yes I did 18mths ago automatic gears and handbrake, just the best thing ever done. Like you I was apprehensive as passed test 29yr old and now 74, don't think I would go back to manual now. Enjoy the experience.

Once you have the hang of it you will be fine ! I'd never go back.

Menopauselbitch

I prefer driving a Manuel but I enjoy driving. I now have an automatic because of heavy traffic and thousands of traffic lights it’s easier.

Was your car from Barcelona?